2017 lifestyle favorites: jewelry, candles, and more
It’s that time of the year when I start doing my favorites series, and this year I decided to include a new category: non-beauty lifestyle favorites! Yes I know this category is ridiculously broad and includes a bazillion products, so you know if something is listed here it’s pretty friggin’ awesome.
Casetify Impact iPhone X Case
Since I’m clumsy af I wanted a really sturdy but still cute case for my iPhone X, and luckily I found it on Casetify. They have thousands of cute designs to pick from, and different case styles for different levels of clumsiness. I chose the highest level of protection, and despite its sturdiness it didn’t feel too bulky.
Also I’m obsessed with the minimal bow design, it works so well against the otherwise ugly ass X back (why can’t it come in gold??), but honestly you’re bound to find a design you love on there. Shipping can take a while since these cases are made to order, but totally worth it imo!
$45 on Casetify →
Use my invite link and get $10 off your first order!
Swarovski Crystalline Stardust Rollerball Pen
God I know this is so bougie and extra, but I like and want nice things, so #sorrybutnotsorry. While I’ll never invest in a $600 Mont Blanc Pen, I did buy a rollerball pen from Swarovski and ugh it’s divine. It has a very smooth writing experience and the ink dispenses evenly, making this my favorite pen to write with, and I own a bunch of ballpoint and gel pens. Oh and who can resist the rose gold + Swarovski crystals combo? Not me.
If you’re looking for something equally beautiful but less expensive, Swarovski’s ballpoint pens are lovely as well, though I feel like their writing experience is very average.
← $65 at Swarovski
Bijou Claudette Soy Candle*
Hello, white + gold (yes the rim is actually dipped in 22k gold) is literally my aesthetic weakness! Seriously how luxurious does this candle look? Claudette is a beautiful soft scent with notes of lily, jasmine, tuberose, vanilla, and musk – a must have if you love florals. It’s also soy based, meaning it burns 3 times longer than traditional paraffin candles.
In terms of quality, looks, scent, and price, Bijou candles really hit the sweet spot. It doesn’t mean I’ll stop burning my Diptyque candles, but it also means I can stop burning holes in my wallet to satisfy my candle obsession. These come in 8 other amazing scents, all named after old Hollywood actresses, that I plan to pick up once my candle stash runs low!
$29 on Bijou →
(use code geekyposhe15 to get 15% off your order!)
4xtyle Jewelry
I’ve really been into more minimal and dainty jewelry ever since I bought some during my Seoul trip last year. So when I found the Korean brand 4xtyle carrying exactly what I was looking for at super affordable prices, I took a change and placed a ridiculously large order. Luckily the odds were in my favor and the pieces were all of fantastic quality (except one).
I ordered mostly earrings and rings, and when I’m in the mood to keep things simple, I always reach for my 4xtyle pieces first. If you’re a K-drama fan they also carry styles worn by actresses on the shows!
← $6-$15 on 4xtyle
(ships worldwide, though shipping is based on weight, hence why I placed a single large order)
Chloe & Isabel Jewelry
If 4xtyle is my go-to for minimal chic, Chloe & Isabel is my first choice for making a statement. I’ve always shied away from large statement jewelry because I feel like they can look cheap and tacky, but C&I jewelry are anything but. They’re extremely well made, beautifully designed, and I always get compliments when I wear their necklaces or earrings.
Oh and their customer service is outstanding – if your jewelry gets damaged through no fault of your own, they’ll replace it for free!
$30-100 at Chloe & Isabel →
(free US shipping for order $100+ and earn 15% reward credit with every order. Also ships internationally)
Porter Magazine
I can’t remember the last time I paid for magazine subscriptions, but these are worth every penny. The editorials are wonderful and aesthetically pleasing, and unlike other magazines you aren’t bombarded with irrelevant ads every other page 🙄
If you’re a regular Net-a-porter shopper, hates ugly ads, or just want a high quality magazine that covers topics from fashion to beauty to contemporary issues to travel and everything in between, I highly recommend Porter. Plus get a free The Lancer Method Polish (worth $75, Rowena reviewed it here) with your subscription!
$25/year for 6 issues at Porter
Celestial Silk 100% Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase is a must have to prevent frizzy hair and sleep creases, but uh, no way I’m paying $79 for something I can get a half the price. Celestial Silk carries both 19 and 25 momme pillowcases, and I went with the latter. It feels thick, sturdy, but still soft and smooth as you would expect from fine silk.
I have bought other silk pillowcases from other brands, and the difference between those and Celestial Silk’s is immediately noticeable, so I would only recommend this particular brand. Stock photo only because mine is currently in the laundry basket 😅
$34.95 on Amazon →
I thought about including my bags or even shoes and clothes in this roundup, but then this list would get out of control in both number of items featured and cost per item (because I like expensive bags + shoes and I cannot lie 🙈 ), so I’ll end things here. Hope you enjoyed this roundup, and I’ll be sharing my 2017 skincare, hair + body, and makeup favorites very soon! Have an amazing week ahead!
PS. Have you read my 2017 in review – favorite beauty discoveries post yet? There’s a surprise for you guys at the end!
I love this new format you’re writing for your favourites, Jenny! I have never splurge on a candle before, are the pricier ones really worth it? The most expensive that I bought are Yankee Candles.
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Yay!! So glad you like the format Shireen! For me I definitely notice a difference in scent and throw between cheaper candles and more expensive ones, but after a certain point I feel like the price starts to reflect the aesthetics of the candle more than it’s quality, if that makes sense? I love pretty candles because I use them as decor pieces around the home, so for me I definitely think it’s worth splurging on something pricier!
The swarovsky pen looks gorgeous. I am so showing this to my husband. Haha! Although I haven’t seen one available locally here in the Philippines. But if there’s a will, there’s a way. xD
xoxo,
Gelleesh.com
Exactly!! I hope you’ll be able to find it, it’s such a joy to write with!
I need one of these pillow cases in my life. Wait, I think I need two, so things don´t get gross.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Oh yes definitely get more than one. I made the mistake of buying just one silk pillowcase the first time and had to go back to my old cotton cases while this was in the laundry!
Love the Swarovski pens. I have a Hello Kitty one which I hardly ever use. I bought it mainly as a desk accessory haha but they write really nicely & it’s always nice to have some extra sparkles around your work area.
& how good Casetify cases? I am obsessed with mine.
Love the rest of your picks. Very luxe. That candle looks so nice too.
THE FASHANN MONSTER blog
Thank you Shannon! I do love that the Swarovski pen doubles as a desk decor, it brings me joy just looking at it. I’m so impressed with my Casetify case thinking about getting another one so I can switch them up!
I really want silk pillowcases too but I didn’t want to spend so much so I will definitely check out that Amazon recommendation – I hope they ship to UK. Your iphone case is absolutely gorgeous xxx
UmmBabyBeauty
Thank you Sal! I think this particular seller is US based but fingers crossed that they ship to the UK! If not try searching for 25 momme pillow cases on Amazon, there might be other brands out there!
This jewellery is truly amazing – totally my style. I have the rose gold Swarovski pen and that black one looks just as pretty. A beautiful post, loved it xx
franklyflawless.com
franklyphotos.com
Thank you so much Sabiha! I got lucky with the black pen, it happened to be on clearance when I was buying my gold pen!
I got the Bijou candle in Lena and I’m in love with the scent! I totally agree with you that they hit the sweet spot for quality, looks, scent, and price :) I usually go back and forth between burning candles and running my diffuser. I generally try not to buy candles that are too girly in appearance or scent in deference to my husband. He never complains but I just feel bad about surrounding him in too many feminine things all the time. I always say that i need to get a silk pillowcase and I just need to buy one. The Celestial Silk one is reasonably priced and if you like it, it must be pretty good ;p
I was looking at Lena for my bedroom, it sounds like the perfect scent to unwind with at the end of a long day! My husband actually likes the dessert and floral scents as long as they’re not overly sweet, I remember picking candles with him at Bath & Body Works and he chose a candy apple scent! 😂 I hope you’ll like the Celestial Silk pillowcase if you decide to get it!
I love looking at earrings, and I feel so happy when I place an order, but then I get them and never wear them! So I’m pausing on the jewelry train right now, haha. Those candles though! I’ve been looking for some (marginally) cheaper ones but still good, cause, ya know, photos, and now I’m really excited to check out the bijou ones!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
I do that with bracelets a lot actually, they’re probably my least worn pieces, especially in the winter when they’re hidden under long sleeves 😅 Highly recommend the Bijou candles! They’re gorgeous, in person and in photos!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Ah I’m wanting a silk pillow case as well! Although I’m not totally sold it’s going to help with wrinkles or anything, but must still feel exceptionally nice and soft. I don’t tend to splurge on lifestyle, but your picks are definitely luxurious and beautiful! That Bijou candle looks wonderful and reasonably priced. Happy Holidays dear Jenny!!
xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog
I’m a side sleeper and I noticed that if I sleep on cotton cases my frown lines become more visible in the morning, probably because of the way I position my face and the cotton friction tugging against my skin. I don’t think it’ll help prevent wrinkles, though that would be nice, haha
Thank you so much Laura, and a very merry Christmas to you as well!
I really like your style. The jewelry is so pretty and who wouldn’t want a smooth pen. Is it weird that I actually like certain types of pencils. Anyways, nothing wrong with including non-beauty items. We all have those. Anyways, happy holidays!!
Thank you so much Amber, and happy holidays to you as well!
Wait that candle is actually beautiful! I can see why it would be a favorite, even just on looks alone LOL.
Kathryn • simplykk.com
Haha, definitely, though I’m glad it does smell just as good as it looks!
How Inlove everything you picked Jen especially the jewellery. All amazing now I am off to read the 2017 in review you know I am a bit impartiall about a little beauty mainly Skincare.
Esnath @ http://www.prettypeachblossom.com
Thank you so much Esnath! Hope you enjoy the 2017 post as well, and I’ll be sharing my skincare favorites of the year soon, so stay tuned for that! 😊
Great list of favorites! I’m really in need of a new Iphone case. The jewelry is so pretty.
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
Thank you Jennifer! They have a lot of great designs on Casetify, I definitely recommend checking them out :)
this seems to be the year of silk pillowcases! everyone and their mothers are talking about how good they are for your skin and hair. you’ve got my attention to porter magazine – i love reading magazines actually, but i just kind of hate how… commercialized? they are with ads and gift guides. one of my favorite things to read are interviews and opinion columns and i wish there were more of those!
also on the note of candles – i just bought one from b&bw and it smells soooo good. i’ve been toying with the idea of getting something more expensive just to see if it makes any difference – or maybe the difference is *knowing* that your candle is expensive, haha. my eye is always on jo malone and diptyque!
becky @ star violet
Well I guess the Porter magazines are still commercialized in the sense that they feature products from Net-a-Porter in their articles, but in a much more tasteful way 😅 Overall you’re still getting more content though, so I really like that!
B&BW candles are super fragranced and have great scents, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about the quality of their fragrances, particularly their wallflowers. Not sure about their candles but I only burn my “nicer” candles in smaller spaces because I feel like the B&BW can be almost too overpowering. Jo Malone is next on my to try list, I’m obsessed with their perfumes!
Such a great taste! ☃ ❄
Blog de la Licorne
Thank you so much :)
I like candles ❤
I’ve never seen any Iphone case as adorable as this. Wow, that is one expensive pen. I hope it makes my penmanship better.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
They have hundreds of equally cute designs on there, it took me hours to finally narrow it down to this one! I actually do think the pen helped me write better, because I don’t have to use as much pressure to get the ink to dispense evenly (if that makes sense)!
The Swarovski Pen sounds luxurious! I’ve never thought about investing in pens but I might have to now ^^
Ooo, get you, iPhone X, eh!? xx The case is gorgeous though Jenny, but I’m more jealous of the phone haha! That swarovski pen is absolutely precious – so bougie! However, my favourite is definitely the Soy candle, I love the white gold design on it too – anything with notes of Vanilla is for me! x
Marina x
https://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
What a wonderful selection of favourites! I must say those pens and iPhone case are my favourite too! Merry Christmas Jenny, have a wonderful holiday season xx
Such a nice selection. I love silk pillow cases!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
That candle looks so luxurious!
|| Caitlin || caitlinpaigexox.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Porter Magazine is so good. I definitely want to subscribe. Love that Swarovski pen!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Happy New Year and Congratulations for your work!
http://www.a03art.com